2025
PhycoTech
PhycoTech is a Uruguayan startup focused on the development and validation of a platform for producing recombinant proteins using microalgae. The team is made up of young biotechnologists—Fiorella, Matilde, and Marcia—and Facundo Rocha, a biotechnology engineer with experience in R&D+i projects, and in the teaching and research of algae biotechnology.
The group seeks to leverage the competitive advantages of microalgae, such as their low cultivation cost, high protein production capacity, and reduced carbon footprint, to offer a sustainable and economical alternative to current production platforms based on mammalian or bacterial cells.
PhycoTech’s goal is to design a scalable and versatile solution that impacts industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, diagnostics, and food.
The first stage of the project consists of developing a prototype to produce nanobodies with potential cosmetic applications, generating a microalgae extract that expresses a collagenase inhibitor. In the future, they plan to diversify their portfolio to include bioactive proteins, supplements, and cosmetic raw materials, as well as offer the possibility of licensing the technology.
PhycoTech has already been recognized for its proposal in competitions and has academic and institutional support for its development. The company seeks to position itself as a Latin American leader in sustainable recombinant protein production, contributing innovation and technological sovereignty to the regional biotechnology ecosystem.
CleanWall
In many homes, especially in areas with high humidity, microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria are a common problem that not only damage walls but also pose health risks, potentially causing serious long-term respiratory complications.
In response to this issue, there are certain products on the market that fail to provide a simple, effective, and long-lasting solution.
CleanWall is a biotechnology startup dedicated to effectively combating the appearance of these microorganisms on household walls, offering an affordable solution with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Our product consists of an additive that, through nanotechnology, uses organic compounds to effectively and durably prevent stains and the proliferation of harmful microorganisms.
In this way, the substance is integrated into the paint to be used on the wall, without affecting its aesthetics or practicality.
We propose an innovation in the traditional paint sector, changing the way it addresses humidity problems.
Through CleanWall, manufacturers, builders, and home remodelers will be able to add value to their work, so that people can enjoy cleaner, more aesthetic, and healthier homes.
Clavala
App that connects football talents with recruiters.
Clavala is a digital platform that connects athletes, coaches, and recruiters, using innovative technology to improve talent visibility and analysis.
Its goal is to facilitate access to sports opportunities, especially in Uruguay, where thousands of young football players from rural areas face structural barriers, such as the lack of recruiters, reliable systems for talent evaluation, and the high logistical costs of traditional scouting.
Clavala’s mobile application allows players to create personalized profiles with key information and videos, while recruiters can search for talents using detailed filters, create portfolios, and collaborate in groups.
The app also includes a post feed, reactions, comments, real-time messaging, and notifications, optimizing scouting and democratizing access to sports opportunities.